Best Alternatives To Single-Use Plastic Water Bottles
What are the best resources for getting clean drinking water besides plastic, single-use bottles? Using a water filtering system paired with reusable water bottles (for on-the-go water) is the easiest way to get clean drinking water.
With so many water filtering systems on the market, there are many ways to have great tasting, pure, and clean water today. Check out my personal recommendations below.
You won’t believe it, but I DISCOVERED THIS AMAZING RESOURCE for everyone in the United States! It’s a database that tells you the quality of the tap water where you live! Just plug in your zip code!
Click Here: ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING GROUP: TAP WATER DATABASE
THE PROBLEM WITH RECYCLING PLASTIC WATER BOTTLES:
Recyclable waste is a main source of household clutter. But, it also contributes to the massive global problem of excessive recyclable waste to process.
Worse, did you know that over 70% of single-use plastics WILL NEVER BE RECYCLED? Instead, it will end up in landfills and in the OCEAN!
Plastics Table and Graph
The data below (FROM THE EPA.GOV WEBSITE) are from 1960 to 2017, relating to the total number of tons of plastics generated, recycled, composted, combusted with energy recovery and landfilled.
| Management Pathway | 1960 | 1970 | 1980 | 1990 | 2000 | 2005 | 2010 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Generation | 390 | 2,900 | 6,830 | 17,130 | 25,550 | 29,380 | 31,400 | 34,480 | 34,870 | 35,370 |
| Recycled | – | – | 20 | 370 | 1,480 | 1,780 | 2,500 | 3,120 | 3,240 | 2,960 |
| Composted | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Combustion with Energy Recovery | – | – | 140 | 2,980 | 4,120 | 4,330 | 4,530 | 5,330 | 5,340 | 5,590 |
| Landfilled | 390 | 2,900 | 6,670 | 13,780 | 19,950 | 23,270 | 24,370 | 26,030 | 26,290 | 26,820 |
Sources: American Chemistry Council and the National Association for PET Container Resources
Zero Waste / Minimal waste Ideals
Zero waste is a movement that brings awareness about the problem of excessive garbage. Zero waste means NO GARBAGE would be sent to the landfill.
A “Minimal Waste” approach would also be beneficial. Let’s all set “minimal waste” as an intentional goal.
What does Zero-waste stand for?
Refuse: what you don’t need (change your mindset)
Reduce: what you do need (change your actions)
Reuse: what you can (thrift shops, second-hand stores)
Recycle: what you don’t refuse, reduce, or reuse (last resort)
Rot: the rest (small home composting)
REUSABLE WATER BOTTLES – A REMEDY
Replace disposable single-use plastic water bottles first!
Replacing single-use plastic water bottles with a reusable option is a simple but powerful way to kickstart your eco-minimalist journey. Every minute, a staggering one million plastic bottles are purchased globally. By switching to a reusable bottle, you not only curb plastic waste but also save money and reduce your carbon footprint. It’s a win-win for you and the planet.
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My Drinking water method
At home, FIRST, we filter our tap water through our refrigerator (which has a water filter.)
NEXT, we pour it into an additional pitcher with a filter (like Brita).
FINALLY, we pour it into our reusable water bottles.
- Refrigerator water filter
- Pitcher with filter
- Pour into a reusable water bottle
STAINLESS STEEL WATER BOTTLES*
This bottle is nice because it’s small but holds enough water (17 oz) to get you through a few hours. It has a convenient carry strap and fits in a car cup holder. They are double-walled and will keep water cold.
YETI Rambler 26 oz Bottle, Vacuum Insulated, Stainless Steel with Chug Cap
A leakproof bottle that fits just the right amount of hydration — with a chug spout lid for easy sipping.
- 100% leakproof.
- Easy to carry.
- Double-wall vacuum insulated.
1. Brita Water Filter Pitcher – for Tap and Drinking Water – bPA Free
I’ve used quite a few different water filtration pitchers. This comes with one filter and then you have to buy a refill pack. You can fill them with tap water too.
2. BRIO BOTTOM LOADING WATER COOLER WATER DISPENSER Loading *
When we moved back into our house after the mudslide (see my story) we had to buy one of these water coolers because we no longer had a refrigerator with a filter system. I really liked having this water dispenser. It serves cold and hot water, which is nice.
The downside is that you have to take the portable water bottles to be filled up somewhere else.
-Refill at your local water store (ours is Culligan.)
-You can have bottles delivered from a delivery service.
– Refill at portable water dispensers in front of grocery stores.
3. REVERSE OSMOSIS DRINKING WATER FILTER SYSTEM *
These units attach under your kitchen sink and filter your tap water. They are a little more involved to install, so I would check with your handy-person or check YouTube.
So, those are all of the methods I know of to filter your tap water or otherwise get fresh, good tasting drinking water.
You may have other knowledge or experiences. It would be great if you would share your ideas with me. I’d love to add your process on a future post. Please use my comments section to reply.
*I recommend shopping in bulk just so that you save on shipping and packaging. Look around amazon for the best reviews before choosing your product. There are many, many options for reusable water bottles. Search through Amazon to find the right style for your needs.
WHAT IS YOUR DRINKING WATER METHOD? Please comment and let me know how you get your drinking water!